For a tropical country like the Philippines, typhoons come and go. But unlike in previous years, this year’s rainy season proved a lot more devastating in regions encompassing the storm path.
In Pangasinan, the hardest hit areas were the towns of Mangatarem and Calasiao, for which local officials unanimously agreed to declare a state of calamity in August and September.
If there’s any consolation for the affected Pangasinenses, the government has maintained a lifeline just when Filipinos need it most—the Pag-IBIG Fund’s Calamity Loan, enabling recovery for families at the receiving end of nature’s wrath.
Understanding the program
Initially established to provide affordable housing loans, Pag-IBIG Fund in time diversified its programs and services for active members who are in dire need of help, in this case after a devastating calamity.
Jonah Grace Oxiles, head of the Marketing and Sales Division at the Pag-IBIG Fund Dagupan branch, explained that members who have paid their contribution for at least two years and are active Pag-IBIG Fund members may avail of the agency’s financial aid in the form of a loan.
“Eighty percent ng kanilang savings ang pwedeng i-loan at ang interest ng calamity loan ay 5.95 percent,” said Oxiles.
(Members can loan 80 percent of their savings, and the interest on the calamity loan is 5.95 percent.)
How to apply for a calamity loan
Oxiles urged residents of Mangatarem and Calasiao to apply for their calamity loan program. To apply for the calamity loan onsite, members must prepare the following:
- Calamity Loan Application Form, which can be downloaded from the website www.pagibigfund.gov.ph.
- Copy of the payslip for employed individuals or a declaration of income for self-employed individuals
- Valid Identification Card (ID), such as the National ID or company ID
- Disbursement Cards, such as the Loyalty Card Plus or Landbank Cash Card
Calamity-affected individuals can apply for Pag-IBIG loan assistance at the branch nearest their location.
Dagupan branch is located on the 2nd floor of BHF Family Plaza at Mayombo Road. The Urdaneta branch is on the 3rd floor of CB Mall along MacArthur Highway.
For convenience, members may also file applications online through its official website, www.pagibigfund.gov.ph, or the Virtual Pag-IBIG mobile application.
“From there, pwede silang mag create ng Virtual Pag-IBIG account using ang Loyalty Card Plus. After niyong mag-create ng Virtual Pag-IBIG, pwedeng-pwede na kayong mag-apply ng loan through online,” said Oxiles.
(From there, they can create a Virtual Pag-IBIG account using the Loyalty Card Plus. Once you’ve created your Virtual Pag-IBIG account, you can easily apply for a loan online.)
Reactivating savings for eligibility
Some inactive members may find themselves in need of financial assistance during times of crisis. Oxiles advised inactive members to reactivate savings accounts by paying an amount equivalent to three months’ contribution to qualify for the calamity loan application.
90 Days to File Applications
Oxiles, however, clarified that members only have 90 calendar days to submit applications (physically or online) from the date of the local government’s declaration of state of calamity for calamity loan assistance.
Under Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Resolution No. 187, Mangatarem declared a state of calamity on August 6 due to typhoon Carina. Similarly, Calasio issued SB Resolution No. 88, declaring a state of calamity on September 7 as a result of Typhoon Enteng.
She said that the calamity loan application for residents of Mangatarem will close on October 3, while residents of Calasiao will have until Dec. 5 to submit their applications.
A Lifesaver in Crisis
Two residents of Calasiao town, affected by Habagat-induced typhoon Enteng, shared how crucial the Pag-IBIG calamity loan program proved helpful during their toughest moments.
Albin Ramos Gabito, a resident of Barangay Nalsian, emphasized how the loan has been instrumental in managing his daily expenses.
“Naging malaking tulong ang calamity loan sa amin sa mga pang-araw-araw na gastusin dahil ito ang pinambili ng pagkain, pambayad sa kuryente, pamasahe pagpasok sa trabaho at gamot po namin,” he said.
(The calamity loan has greatly helped us with our daily expenses, allowing us to buy food, pay our electric bills, cover transportation to work, and buy medicine.)
Jennylyn Inaldo from Barangay Quesban expressed her gratitude for the Pag-IBIG Fund’s calamity loan program, noting its significant impact in meeting her family’s daily needs.
“Malaking tulong po ito sa amin kasi nagamit po namin ito para bumili ng bigas at ibang pangangailangan sa araw-araw,” she said.
(This is a big help to us because we used it to buy rice and other daily necessities.)
Jennylyn and Albin both live in low-lying areas.
The financial assistance provided by the Pag-IBIG Fund proved to have a significant impact on its members, like Albin and Jennylyn, who applied during the state of calamity. Pag-Ibig Fund’s support program allowed flood-affected members to rebuild their lives with greater hope and stability.
Disbursement and outreach
Pag-IBIG Fund remains committed to adapting its programs to better serve its members during the most challenging times—a dedication manifested in the financial allocations made for 2024.
Oxiles said the total fund allocated by the Pag-IBIG Fund Dagupan branch this year is P391 million for both multi-purpose loans (MPL) and calamity loans.
Of this amount, P292 million has been distributed for multi-purpose loans, while P2.5 million was earmarked for calamity loans.
In times of crisis, the Pag-IBIG Fund’s calamity loan assistance not only aids individuals in their recovery from calamities but also provides them with a renewed opportunity to rebuild their lives and restore hope in the aftermath of devastation. (MJTAB/JCDR/AQA/PIA Pangasinan)
